Junior Programs
Sailing builds confidence, teaches teamwork, and fosters a lifelong love of the sea. At CYC, our sailing department offers a variety of programs designed to equip youth of all ages and skill levels. We teach the necessary skills and experience to excel in this exhilarating sport.
For information on our Junior Sailing programs please email: [email protected]
Programs:
Beginner Sailors (Ages 7-10):
Level 1: Take your first steps towards mastering the waves. This introductory course, held once a week on RS Tera boats, focuses on:
- Getting comfortable on a sailboat.
- Learn basic boat parts and safety procedures.
- Righting a capsized boat.
- Gain confidence knowing you can handle unexpected situations.
- Steering upwind and downwind.
- Learn the fundamentals of sail control.
- Points of sail and basic maneuvers.
- Understand how wind direction affects your course and learn essential techniques like tacking and gybing.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
Non-Members: $1050 per session.
Level 2: Build upon your newfound skills! This course, also held once a week on RS Teras, helps you:
- Strengthen your sailing techniques.
- Sharpen your boat handling and sail trimming skills.
- Confidence in higher winds.
- Sail comfortably in breezes up to 8 knots.
- Prepare for racing.
- Lay the foundation for future competitive sailing.
Ready to Race? (Single-handed boats ages 8-15):
Green Fleet: Join the excitement of competitive sailing! This program, held 1-2 times a week on Optimists, is for sailors with at least 1.5 years of experience. You'll:
- Refine your sailing fundamentals.
- Hone your boat handling, sail trim, and decision-making skills.
- Master racing basics.
- Learn the rules, strategies, pre-starts, and starts of competitive sailing.
- Experience the thrill of regattas.
- Participate in 3-4 regattas per semester and develop your competitive spirit.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
Non-Members: $950 for one day a week, $1,350 for two days a week.
Opti Champ: Take your racing skills to the next level! This elite program, held 3 times a week on Optimists, is for high-performance sailors (including past Team USA members) who have completed Green Fleet and are ready for a challenge. You'll:
- Learn advanced racing techniques.
- Hone your starts, boat speed optimization, and tactical maneuvering.
- Train for major competitions.
- Focus on Team Trials and Spring Team Qualifiers, aiming for national and international recognition.
- Own your Optimist.
- Invest in your passion and gain complete control over your racing experience.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
Ready to Race? (Double-handed boats ages 13-19):
DH Learn to Race: Start your high school sailing journey! This program, held once a week on CFJs, welcomes sailors (ages 13-18) with minimal racing experience. You'll:
- Develop your sailing skills.
- Gain confidence on the water and improve your boat handling and racing techniques.
- Have fun and make friends.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of sailing with peers who share your passion.
- Potential for the Race Team.
- Demonstrate your commitment and skillset to potentially join the competitive DH Race Team.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
DH Race: Join the dedicated racing elite! This program, held 3 times a week on C420s, demands a strong commitment to compete in local and national regattas. You'll:
- Refine your racing skills.
- Hone your boat handling, teamwork, and strategic decision-making under the guidance of experienced coaches.
- Compete at a high level.
- Participate in major regattas across the country and challenge yourself against top competitors.
- Invite-only.
- Entry requires a strong skillset and have demonstrated commitment as evidenced by tryouts or previous sailing experience.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
I420 Race: Reach the pinnacle of youth sailing! This exclusive program, held on Fridays and select weekends on International 420 boats, is for a select few from the DH Race Team. You'll:
- Master high-performance sailing.
- Hone your skills on the cutting-edge I420, a faster and lighter boat used by top international sailors.
- Qualify for prestigious events:
Experience the thrill of competing at the highest level of youth sailing. Train for the 5 events throughout the year that lead to the World and European Championships.
- Join the sailing elite.
Session 1: Winter
Session 2: Spring
High School Sailing: This program held Wednesdays and Thursdays after school on CFJs, caters to high school sailors of all skill levels. You'll:
- Develop your sailing skills.
- Improve your boat handling, sail trim, and racing tacticso Compete in regattas.
- Compete in the High School circuit and travel around the state for Regattas.
Spring Session: January 3 – May 16
Non-Members: $950